Let’s Talk About Hornady Spring Fingers
The Hornady Spring Fingers are a seemingly simple, yet incredibly vital component for shotshell reloaders. Manufactured by Hornady, these small plastic pieces play a crucial role in consistent and efficient wad seating. For anyone involved in high-volume shotshell reloading, especially for competitive shooting or frequent hunting trips, these little fingers can make a big difference.
My journey to discovering the Hornady Spring Fingers stemmed from a frustrating issue with wad seating consistency. While reloading shotshells, I noticed that wads were occasionally catching or seating crookedly, leading to inconsistent crimps and potentially affecting shot patterns. I needed a solution that would reliably keep the case mouth open during the wad seating process, and after researching various options, the Hornady Spring Fingers seemed like the perfect fit.
Upon receiving the Hornady Spring Fingers, I was initially struck by their unassuming appearance. Made of what appears to be durable plastic, they are lightweight and small enough to easily store. The build quality seems decent for what they are: small, replaceable parts designed to take a beating.
I briefly considered other options like universal wad guides, but they often seemed bulky or overly complicated for my needs. I had also looked at other brands’ spring fingers, but ultimately chose Hornady due to their reputation for quality reloading components and the positive reviews from other reloaders, particularly those using Spolar reloaders. I was excited to see if they would solve my wad-seating woes.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Spring Fingers to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Spring Fingers at my reloading bench, focusing on loading 12-gauge shells for sporting clays. The initial setup was simple: I just slipped them into the existing wad guide on my reloading press. The first few cycles were noticeably smoother; the wads entered the case mouth without any catching or snagging.
The conditions were typical for an indoor reloading setup: dry and with a moderate temperature. The Spring Fingers performed flawlessly, consistently keeping the case mouth open. I did not experience any issues or surprises; they worked as intended right out of the package.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of reloaded shells, the Hornady Spring Fingers have proven to be remarkably reliable. The plastic, while not indestructible, has held up well with minimal signs of wear and tear. I inspect them regularly for any cracks or damage, but so far, they’ve shown no signs of degradation.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent; I simply wipe them down with a clean cloth occasionally to remove any powder residue or debris. Compared to my previous reloading setup, where I constantly struggled with wad seating issues, the Hornady Spring Fingers have significantly improved my reloading speed and consistency. They definitely outperform my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Spring Fingers
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hornady
- Quantity: 2
- Fabric/Material: Plastic
- Purpose: To keep the case mouth open when seating wads, especially larger ones.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the ease and consistency of wad seating. The plastic construction provides the necessary flexibility and durability to withstand repeated use. The fact that they come in a pack of two is a bonus, ensuring you have a spare on hand.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Spring Fingers excel at their primary function: keeping the case mouth open for smooth wad insertion. This results in more consistent crimps and potentially improved shot patterns. The primary strength is their simplicity and effectiveness. The potential weakness is the plastic material, which, while durable, is still subject to wear and tear over time, especially with heavy use.
The Hornady Spring Fingers definitely meet expectations. They eliminate the frustrating wad-seating issues I was experiencing and have made my reloading process much more efficient.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hornady Spring Fingers is simple yet effective. They are lightweight and easy to install, and their shape is optimized to fit most wad guides. Their user-friendly design means there’s no learning curve; you simply insert them into your wad guide and start reloading.
Durability & Maintenance
While the plastic material is not as durable as metal, the Hornady Spring Fingers are designed to be replaceable. With proper care and occasional inspection, they should last for a reasonable amount of time. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove powder residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Spring Fingers themselves don’t have many accessories or customization options. They are designed to work with existing wad guides on most shotshell reloading presses. They are compatible with most standard wad guides, making them a versatile addition to any reloader’s toolkit.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Spring Fingers
Pros
- Significantly improves wad seating consistency.
- Easy to install and use with most wad guides.
- Reduces the chance of damaged or crushed wads.
- Inexpensive and readily available.
- Speeds up the reloading process, especially for high-volume reloaders.
Cons
- Plastic construction is subject to wear and tear over time.
- May need occasional replacement with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Hornady Spring Fingers?
The Hornady Spring Fingers are perfect for avid shotshell reloaders, competitive shooters who demand consistent loads, and hunters who reload their own ammunition for specific game. If you’re experiencing wad seating issues or simply want to improve the efficiency and consistency of your reloading process, these are a must-have.
Anyone who only reloads a small number of shotshells per year might not find these necessary. However, even for occasional reloaders, they can still be a worthwhile investment for ensuring quality loads. There are no must-have accessories or modifications needed, they are ready to use right out of the package.
Conclusion on Hornady Spring Fingers
Overall, the Hornady Spring Fingers are an excellent and affordable addition to any shotshell reloader’s toolkit. They address a common issue with wad seating consistency, improving the overall quality and efficiency of the reloading process. The price of $10.49 is more than justified by the time and frustration saved.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Hornady Spring Fingers to anyone looking to improve their shotshell reloading experience. Don’t let inconsistent wad seating ruin your shooting; pick up a pack of Hornady Spring Fingers and start reloading with confidence!